Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgery to fix jaw joint fusion in cats
By Aghashani, Armeti et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2020·William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Temporomandibular Joint Gap Arthroplasty in Cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of seven cats with severe jaw problems due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis (a condition where the jaw joint becomes fused) underwent a specialized surgery called gap arthroplasty. This procedure involved removing parts of the jaw and was performed using advanced imaging and surgical techniques. After surgery, all cats were able to open their mouths adequately, although some experienced jaw instability. Most cats had a good quality of life afterward, but two had issues with the ankylosis returning, with one needing another surgery. Overall, the surgery helped the cats eat and drink better despite some complications.
People also search for: cat jaw problems surgery · TMJ ankylosis in cats · cat mouth opening issues treatment
Abstract
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is defined as fibrous or bony fusion of the mandibular head of the condylar process and the mandibular fossa of the squamous part of the temporal bone. Ankylosis of the TMJ may be intraarticular, extraarticular, or both. The objective of this report is to describe the surgical planning, technique, and outcome of gap arthroplasty for extensive TMJ ankylosis in cats. Client-owned cats (= 7) were examined clinically and surgical planning included the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and tridimensional (3D) printed models. In six of the seven cats, temporary tracheostomy intubation was required. Gap arthroplasty included zygomectomy, coronoidectomy, condylectomy, as well as fossectomy (removal of the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone) and was performed using a piezosurgical unit. In all seven cats, gap arthroplasty was performed without surgical complications. In addition, a clinically acceptable mouth opening was achieved in all cases. However, a noticeable mandibular instability was observed. Medium-term follow-up demonstrated acceptable quality of life with one case of recurrence of ankylosis requiring repeated bilateral surgery, and a second case with recurrence of ankylosis not requiring surgical intervention at the time of manuscript preparation. We concluded that TMJ gap arthroplasty in cats is a salvage procedure indicated in cases of severe intraarticular and extraarticular ankylosis. Diagnostic imaging by means of CBCT and 3D printing are essential for precise surgical planning. The use of a piezosurgical unit allows for safe and precise ostectomy. Clinically, despite the resulting mandibular instability, appropriate prehension of food and water was possible.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32903530/